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This week, in schools around the country, the message of 'Bullying No Way' will be emphasised. This message is constantly addressed with students through lessons and assemblies as well as being reinforced by parents and the media.
More than at any other time in our history, we have the capability through media (including social media) to create an awareness and educate about the detrimental effects of bullying and yet, it continues to be insidious.
Perhaps a place to start is reflecting on our own behaviour. Generally we are wired to believe that mostly we are 'in the right'. It is fairly natural that we see things from our own perspective but the pitfall of this is that we might not see the reality.
Children will comment that someone is bullying them, More often than not, the child has felt bullied because they did not get their way in a game or a situation such as sitting next to the friend of their choice.
What can schools do? Respond as is appropriate and in line with the school Code of Conduct and continue to educate children about the difference between thoughtless behaviour and intentional harm such as bullying.
What can parents do? Continue to build resilience in their child, help them to develop tolerance and to speak up when someone is behaving in a manner that is offensive. In Year 5 and Year 6, monitoring your child's interactions in domains such as Snapchat and Instagram (minimum age 13) can help to prevent harmful comments.
The familiar saying 'It takes a village to raise a child' is a great reminder of the importance of families and schools working together.
God bless,
Geraldine
This week Holy Spirit Catholic School has an extra emphasis on Bullying! No Way! throughout our classes. It is important that we as adults, both at home and at school, teach our young people the value of the human person and to stand up for injustice. During the week, students are learning about what the definition of bullying is and how the bystanders to a situation have such great power to assist. As part of our week, we will get together with our buddies to show how getting along and looking out for each other is 'The Spirit Way'. Please discuss with your child what they have learnt this week about being proactive against bullying.
There are exciting times ahead for our school with our Year 3 and 5 students completing Naplan Online. The staff have been preparing for the new protocols that go with completing these mandatory tests online and showing our students some sample questions and how to answer them. If you would like to have a look at some sample tests and the types of questions, go to the public demonstration site and have a go yourself.
Next week, we will publish the schedule of testing in the newsletter so that there is plenty of time to prepare.
Some fun facts:
- Testing period is over 9 days with online and not 4 as in previous years.
- There is a sequence in which the tests must be complete - Writing, Reading, Language Conventions and Numeracy.
- The online tests are what are referred to as 'tailored tests' - which means they attempt to show what a student can do not what they cannot .
- Year 3 Writing is still on paper but the Year 5 is online.
- Students will require headphones and a mouse is recommended.
If you have any questions, please see the class teacher or myself.
Congratulations to our champion swimming team on coming 3rd today in the A Schools Swimming Carnival. It is always a thrill watching our students show true SPIRIT grit when representing our school. We should be very proud of them as they have worked hard. Thanks to amazing staff for their effort in the preparation. Thank you!
Happy Days,
Paul Martin
This week at Holy Spirit, we value self-discipline. This is often seen as the ability to do what you know you should do, when you should do it, whether or not you feel like it. Self-discipline can be witnessed when we are able to control impulsive behaviours and take responsibility for our actions. During this time of Lent, we encourage children to be conscious of their behaviour and endeavour to do the right thing.
This week's feature story is 100% COMMUNITY with twenty-one year old Michaela from Alice Springs.
Twenty-one year-old Michaela is helping to build a social enterprise for people with chronic illnesses at The Purple House in Alice Springs. Featured in Project Compassion 2014, the First Australian-run Wellbeing Program, uses its profits to connect and care for dialysis patients who are far from home.
As a Purple House trainee, Michaela completed a Certificate IV in business management. She was also recently promoted from administration trainee to permanent employee, working on The Wellbeing Program.
The young Alywarr woman cares for patients as they receive dialysis and helps them to feel at home and remain hopeful during treatment. Patients in turn pass on traditional knowledge to Michaela.
The program is run by the Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation, with support from Caritas Australia.
First Australians are twice as likely to experience chronic kidney disease, and four times more likely to die from it than other Australians*.
With the help of staff like Michaela, the Aboriginal-controlled service gives patients the opportunity to stay connected with their culture. They do this through traditional healing practices and income-generating activities, such as making bush balms and soaps.
Profits are invested back into supporting patients receiving remote care and help to get people on dialysis back on country.
In addition to completing her studies, Michaela has obtained a driver’s licence, is building her leadership skills running workshops solo.
“Hope means having something to look forward to. I enjoy building relationships with the patients and learning from them. If we keep our culture alive we can feel strong.”
Next Friday night, a number Year 5 and 6 students will be presenting Stations of the Cross. Rehearsals are well underway to ensure everyone is ready for the night. The students are putting in a wonderful effort and are to be commended for their enthusiasm and positive attitude. We look forward to seeing you all there.
Last Sunday our students participated in the first of the Confirmation workshops.
The next workshop will take place on Wednesday, 27 March at 3.30 pm in our Lynch Family Hall.
Congratulations to our students and their families for their commitment to the program.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated on Wednesday 3rd of April and Thursday 4th of April at 7 pm in the Holy Spirit Church.
Information and enrolment details re this year’s Mulkadee were emailed to parents in Grades 4-6 last Friday.
Could all parents check the measurements of the T-Shirts before they order. The shirts are not standard sizing if going by the actual size, therefore parents should go by the actual measurements of their child and compare to the measurements on the size chart when choosing their size.
All children wishing to register for Mulkade must do so on or before April 1st.
Please see below for details.
Congratulations to our students who led the singing at the 8.30 am mass last Sunday. Well done boys and girls and Mrs Crimeen!
25 March Peer Support Training – Open Arms.
See attached flyer please
4 April Coffee Connections
Where: Oliver Brown, The Strand
When: Thursday 4 April from 10.30 – 12pm
ADF families are invited to join us at a different venue each month as we search for the best cuppa in Townsville. This is a self funded activity with attendees responsible for the cost of purchasing their own food and drinks. To ensure that we book enough seats for everyone, please RSVP Geckos on 411 7031.
4 or 6 April First Aid Training or CPR Refresher
Geckos Family Centre is offering subsidized first aid courses for Defence partners and family members.
Full day First Aid - $60
CPR Refresher (half day) - $30
Contact Geckos for further information on 4411 7031.
We are open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8am at Tuckshop.
Your support with donations of spreads (not nut based) would be appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at Tuckshop.
Date |
Event |
March | |
22.03.19 |
St Margaret Mary's Open Day 3.30pm - 6pm. |
29.03.19 |
Stations of the Cross Coloured Clothes Day - Tombola |
Date |
Event |
April |
03.04.19 |
Whole School Assembly |
05.04.19 |
Easter Liturgy Fun Run Last Day of Term 1 |
Holy Spirit Catholic School uses Flexischools ordering system. To register, login or to place orders, please click this link:
ROSTER |
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21.03.19 |
Louise Daley |
||
22.03.19 |
Jeena Philips-Koshy, Sue Viviers, Sally Harman, Tim Murrinum |
||
25.03.19 |
Nicole Boon | ||
26.03.19 |
Sue Viviers, Tina McDonough | ||
27.03.19 |
Christine Nash, Emmily Priestley, Natalie Neucom | ||
CAKE |
|||
25.03.19 |
Alice Calleja, Jodi Barnes |
||
27.03.19 |
Shaquille O'Brien |
||
FRUIT |
|||
22.03.19 |
Priscilla Parsons | ||
25.03.19 |
Bernadette Bryant, Emily Lyons, Jade Leet |
||
26.03.19 |
Louise Sutton |
Parents, it is essential that you advise the office if your child is going to be absent. This can be done by emailing absent@hsstsv.catholic.edu.au or via the skoolbag app.
Term Dates 2019 |
||
Term 1 |
Tuesday 29 January 2019 |
Friday 5 April 2019 |
Term 2 |
Tuesday 23 April 2019 |
Friday 28 June 2019 |
Term 3 |
Monday 15 July 2019 |
Friday 20 September 2019 |
Term 4 |
Tuesday 8 October 2019 |
Friday 6 December 2019 |
Pupil Free Day: Monday 21 October 2019 |
Wednesday Assemblies |
|
Prep – Year 2 |
8.40am |
Years 3 – 6 |
2.10pm |
Whole School Assemblies |
8.45am |
Daily Bell Times |
|
8.15 am |
Students are allowed to move to class |
8.30 am |
School day commences |
10.30 am |
Morning tea bell |
10.55 am |
Five minute warning bell |
11.00 am |
School day resumes |
1.00 pm |
Lunch bell |
1.30 pm |
Five minute warning bell |
1.35 pm |
School day resumes. |
2.50 pm |
School day concludes |